Catholics for Choice – Managing Editor

Catholics for Choice (CFC), a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that serves as a voice for Catholics who believe that the Catholic tradition supports a woman’s moral and legal right to follow her conscience in matters of sexuality and reproductive health, is looking for a talented Managing Editor.  This is an opportunity to be part of a successful and fast-paced nonprofit with a close-knit staff of passionate individuals who share a commitment to reproductive choice, social justice and true religious liberty.

Catholics for Choice is looking for an articulate, intellectually curious managing editor with a keen ability to produce high quality research and editing that maintains CFC’s position as the authoritative source on Catholicism and reproductive rights. CFC produces several new publications a year— from factsheets and scholarly analysis of Catholic positions, to reports on the work of antichoice groups and the religious right, to polls on Catholic attitudes. CFC also produces four issues of its flagship Conscience magazine. The managing editor acts as editorial and production coordinator for Conscience magazine and is engaged in all aspects of CFC research and writing. This includes forward-looking administration of production cycles and research and analysis of issues at the intersection of religion and reproductive rights, as well as short-fuse writing and editing of factsheets, action alerts, press releases, letters to the editor and brief pieces for Conscience. Post production, a key aspect of this job is ensuring that every publication is distributed widely and wisely to target audiences.

This position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Director of Communications.

Major responsibilities include:

• Proofread and copy edit all CFC written products. This includes enforcing consistent adherence to organization-wide writing standards and style; checking facts diligently; ensuring clarity, completeness and consistency; as well as perfecting spelling, grammar, punctuation and format.
• Research, draft and edit CFC publications, including factsheets, reports, polls, web content and other materials as assigned.
• Serve as editorial assistant for Conscience magazine: fact check, proof and edit all sections of the magazine; assist the editor in researching and drafting articles; coordinate with authors, advertisers, printers and vendors as necessary; maintain records of content, distribution and income; and other duties as assigned.
• Manage publications production process, including serving as the point of contact for authors, designers, printers and vendors as necessary.
• Assist program staff with researching and writing reports as needed.
• Monitor and distribute articles and items of interest from Catholic media outlets.
• Maintain up-to-date files on areas of interest to CFC and ensure accessibility of the information to CFC program staff, including updating staff as appropriate on items of interest.
• Maintain CFC websites with up-to-date information from communications and program staff.
• Represent CFC at meetings and conferences to disseminate information, research findings and publications.

Position requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field and three to five years of experience in research, writing and editing, ideally with an academic journal or flagship publication (or a commensurate combination of education and experience). Experience in investigative reporting a plus.
• Immaculate writing and editing skills with acute attention to detail, style and grammar, as well as demonstrated ability to produce pithy, appealing and accurate written products.
• Voracious appetite for reading and research and strong investigative skills, including library and online research, as well as the ability to obtain hard-to-find information.
• A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately on tight deadlines.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of Catholicism and reproductive health issues.
• A high degree of computer literacy, including word processing, desktop publishing, database management and web skills.
• Passion for reproductive rights, religious freedom and the mission of CFC.

Employment decisions at CFC are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Catholics for Choice does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status"). This nondiscrimination policy extends to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, as well as the use of all company facilities, participation in all organization-sponsored activities and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits and termination of employment.

Applicants should submit resume, cover letter and two writing samples (no more than 3-5 pages) to settleson@gmail.com, subject line: CFC, Managing Editor.  (No calls please).  PDF format is preferred. Applicants who do not demonstrate knowledge of Catholics for Choice's work will not be considered.